Getting Care
Find out how and where to get care.
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TRICARE defines a provider as a person, business, or institution that provides health care. Understanding the different TRICARE provider types will help you decide what type of TRICARE provider you want to see. For more information on provider types, check out the charts below.
Getting Care in the U.S.
When getting care in the United States, there are different types of providers you can see. The type of provider you see determines how much you pay out of pocket.
For TRICARE to cover your care, you must use aTRICARE-authorized providerAn authorized provider is any individual, institution/organization, or supplier that is licensed by a state, accredited by national organization, or meets other standards of the medical community, and is certified to provide benefits under TRICARE. There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: Network and Non-Network. DS.An authorized provider is any individual, institution/organization, or supplier that is licensed by a state, accredited by national organization, or meets other standards of the medical community, and is certified to provide benefits under TRICARE. There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: Network and Non-Network. DS. These providers are licensed by a state, accredited by a national organization, or meet other standards of the medical community.
| Type of Provider | Description | Search for a Provider | ||||||
| Network Provider | Provider who agrees to be in the TRICARE network. Each region has its own network. They will:
You pay network copays and cost shares. >>Learn More | |||||||
| Non-Network Provider | Provider who hasn't joined the network. You may pay more to visit a non-network provider. They:
Additionally, Non-Network Providers can choose to be either Participating Providers or Non-Participating Providers
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| Military Hospital or Clinic | Are run by the Department of Defense and are found at military bases and posts around the world. This is called “direct careIt's care you get at military hospitals and clinics. To learn more visit the Military Hospitals and Clinics page. Some individuals may get direct care only when space is available.,” “military hospitals and clinics,” “military treatment facilities,” or “MTFs.” Direct Care is any care you get at military hospitals and clinics. They:
Some individuals may get direct care only on space available basis. To learn more, visit the Military Hospitals and Clinics page. |
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| US Family Health Plan | Designated providers you'll use when enrolled in the US Family Health Plan. >>Learn More | Click on your designated provider: | ||||||
| Providers who Accept Medicare | You can visit any Medicare-participating provider in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. >>Learn More | |||||||
| Veterans Affairs Facilities | Most Veterans Affairs facilities are network providers, however check with your regional contractor before making an appointment. >>Learn More | |||||||
| Dentists | Each dental plan has its own dental network. >>Learn More | Click on your dental plan: | ||||||
| 1 Active duty members and TRICARE Prime beneficiaries have priority for care at military hospitals and clinics. For more information, visit www.tricare.mil/prioritiesforcare. 2 Military hospitals and clinics charge a daily cost for food during inpatient stays. 3 You are responsible for paying any amount above the TRICARE-allowable charge in addition to your deductible and cost shares. 4 You may need to pay for care upfront and file a claim for reimbursem*nt of the amount TRICARE pays. | ||||||||
Getting Care Overseas
When getting careoverseas, there are different types of providers you can see. The type of provider you see determines how much you pay out of pocket.
For TRICARE to cover your care, you must use a TRICARE-authorized provider.
| Type of Provider | Description | Search for a Provider |
| Network Provider | They:
You pay network copays and cost shares.1 >>Learn More | |
| Non-Network Provider | They:
You pay network copays and cost shares, plus any amount over the TRICARE-allowable charge.2 >>Learn More | |
| Military Hospital or Clinic3 | Are run by the Department of Defense and are found at military bases and posts around the world. This is called “direct care,” “military hospitals and clinics,” “military treatment facilities,” or “MTFs.” Direct Care is any care you get at military hospitals and clinics. They:
To learn more, visit the Military Hospitals and Clinics page. |
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| TRICARE in the Philippines | In the Philippines, we have a Preferred Provider Network (PPN). PPN Providers:
Non-network providers in the Philippines must still be certified to be covered by TRICARE, except for emergency services. >>Learn More | |
| Canadian Forces Facilities | For information on services available at Canadian Forces facilities, click on the link. |
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| Dentists | Each dental plan has its own dental network. >>Learn More | Click on your dental plan: |
| 1 Network providers overseas may provide cashless-claimless service for active duty service members and active duty family members. All others should expect to pay for services upfront and file a claim for reimbursem*nt of the TRICARE portion. 2 You are responsible for paying any amount above the TRICARE-allowable charge in addition to your deductible and cost shares. Any amount over the TRICARE-allowable charge does not count toward your deductible or catastrophic cap. 3 Active duty members and TRICARE Prime beneficiaries have priority for care at military hospitals and clinics. For more information, visit www.tricare.mil/prioritiesforcare. 4 Military hospitals and clinics charge a daily cost for food during inpatient stays. | ||
To learn more about filing overseas claims, visitwww.tricare.mil/overseasclaims.
Did You Know?
You can invite a health care provider to become TRICARE-authorized.
Each TRICARE region has its ownregional contractorwho is responsible for administering the TRICARE program in each region. If your health care provider would like to become a TRICARE-authorized provider, call the regional contractor or learn more about how to become A TRICARE Provider.
Last Updated 1/24/2024
